Jesse McCartney threatens legal action over ‘naked photos’

Singer/songwriter Jesse McCartney is threatening legal action over an Internet photo that appears to show the star naked, insisting the picture has been “manipulated by computer software.”

The “Beautiful Soul” hit maker’s attorneys have sprung into action over the snap, sending a cease and desist letter to any Web sites that have posted the picture.

McCartney’s lawyer, Shawn Chapman Holley, insists the photo has been altered, because the star would have never agreed to pose in the nude.

The letter from Holley, obtained by TMZ.com, reads, “A person is attempting to circulate a nude photo which purports to be Mr. McCartney. McCartney was unaware of the taking of this alleged photo, did not knowingly participate in the taking of this photo, and certainly did not consent to the taking of such photo.

“It appears that this photo has been manipulated and doctored by computer software.”

The attorney warns publication of the picture would be a “grave invasion of Mr. McCartney’s privacy rights” and vows to pursue any perpetrators for “substantial monetary damages.”